The Gifted by Matthew Dickerson

Synopsis:

The Daegmon War is a three– volume fantasy novel beginning with The Gifted , continuing with The Betrayed , and ending with The Mountain . The centuries– old war against the Daegmon Lord has been dormant for generations and knowledge of the Gifts (powers of healing, of supernatural knowledge, and of strength over demonic foes) has faded into dim folklore.

When one of the Daegmons suddenly returns to wage war against the All– Maker and his people, only one small band, led by a young Westwash woman named Elynna and an Andani hunter–guide, rises up against the terrible foe. But they are few, and only a handful of them number among the Gifted. When their own king and his armies turn against the them, all seems lost for the company. Only Thimeon’s faith in the All– Maker and in the Holy Mountain sustains the faithfulfew.

Rating: 5/5

Review:

Let’s start with the book cover, when I first saw it I think that it is absolutely stunning. It gives me the Lord of the Rings vibes. Hence, a star for this.

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, the writing was amazing and I would highly recommend this book for fans of Tolkien. The writing will make you want to read it and not stop until you know the ending.

Furthermore, The Gifted’s world building and character development are very good too. The world felt real as the author managed to explain it in great detail and will make readers understand.

Lastly, I like the main character Elynna as she has good characteristics and good character development. This book is a good fantasy read suitable for young adults and adults.

Overall, this book was a good read with 5/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes fantasy books.

Thank you, Matthew Dickerson for sending me this book for review.

This book is available at Amazon!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads)

Book review on All This Time by Rachel Lippincott

Synopsis:

Kyle and Kimberly have been the perfect couple all through high school, but when Kimberly breaks up with him on the night of their graduation party, Kyle’s entire world upends—literally. Their car crashes and when he awakes, he has a brain injury. Kimberly is dead. And no one in his life could possibly understand.

Until Marley. Marley is suffering from her own loss, a loss she thinks was her fault. And when their paths cross, Kyle sees in her all the unspoken things he’s feeling.

As Kyle and Marley work to heal each other’s wounds, their feelings for each other grow stronger. But Kyle can’t shake the sense that he’s headed for another crashing moment that will blow up his life as soon as he’s started to put it back together.

My rating: 4/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, I really like all Rachel Lippincott’s books covers. I think they are unique and beautiful. Therefore, a star for the cover!

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, I have always liked the way how she is able to captivate readers with her writing. Her books are always making readers feel connected and emotional with the characters and the whole setting of the book.

Furthermore, this book contains a twist which makes it a really good book. I like books with plot twists a lot! Also, the love part written between Marley and Kyle was such a great part of the book and the ending. Hence, a star for this.

Lastly, I enjoyed this book a lot but it isn’t an emotional read as Five Feet Apart. This book is about a different kind of story which shows that this author is a very good contemporary writer.

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes contemporary books.

Thank you so much #Pansing @definitelybooks, for sending me this book for review!

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

Synopsis:

September 1939.

When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place.

But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.

Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever.

A mesmerising mystery about bravery and brotherhood from an outstanding new voice.

My rating: 4/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, I absolutely love it! It’s beautiful and eye-catching! I really like the illustration. Hence, a star for this!

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, this book is a historical fiction and I enjoyed reading it. I feel that the author did a good job writing a book set in 1939. I’m always impressed on how authors wrote books that are set in another time!

Furthermore, this book was such a good read that I managed to read it in less than 24 hours! The characters and setting just blended so well. I also like that it is set in Wales, I love the United Kingdom! Therefore, a star for that.

Lastly, I feel that all the characters in this book are equally interesting and fun to read. It was a heartfelt read because Jimmy and Ronnie had to move to Wales after evacuating from London due to the war. It is also an eye-opening to read to people in the modern days about how war impacted people’s lives before.

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes historical books.

Thank you so much #Pansing @definitelybooks, for sending me this book for review!

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on Slingshot by Mercedes Helnwein

Synopsis:

An exciting debut contemporary young adult novel perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Mary H. K. Choi 

Grace Welles had resigned herself to the particular loneliness of being fifteen and stuck at a third-tier boarding school in the swamps of Florida, when she accidentally saves the new kid in her class from being beat up. With a single aim of a slingshot, the monotonous mathematics of her life are obliterated forever…because now there is this boy she never asked for. Wade Scholfield.

With Wade, Grace discovers a new way to exist. School rules are optional, life is bizarrely perfect, and conversations about wormholes can lead to make-out sessions that disrupt any logical stream of thoughts. 

So why does Grace crush Wade’s heart into a million tiny pieces? And what are her options when she finally realizes that 1. The universe doesn’t revolve around her, and 2. Wade has been hiding a dark secret. Is Grace the only person unhinged enough to save him?

Acidly funny and compulsively readable, Mercedes Helnwein’s debut novel Slingshot is a story about two people finding each other and then screwing it all up. See also: soulmate, friendship, stupidity, sex, bad poetry, and all the indignities of being in love for the first time.

My rating: 3/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, take a look at how beautiful and interesting it is! The cover will utterly capture readers’ attentions! Therefore, a star for the cover!

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, this book didn’t have a bad writing but it was an okay for me. The story is a YA coming of age read about 15 year old Gracie. It wrote everything about what a common girl teenager goes through.

Furthermore, the main character, Gracie, she wasn’t perfect. She’s absolutely not one of those characters that we can like. Gracie is whiny and annoying. However, I do understand that at a period of time during we were a teenager, we all go through that.

Lastly, this book was like a normal contemporary book for but I do feel that it has its own specialty where readers would like to know more about the ending. The ending has also made me feel really upset because there was abuse.

Overall, this book was a moderate read with 3/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes contemporary books.

Thank you so much #Pansing @definitelybooks, for sending me this book for review!

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on Everything I Thought I Knew by Shannon Takaoka

Synopsis:

A teenage girl wonders if she’s inherited more than just a heart from her donor in this compulsively readable debut. 

Seventeen-year-old Chloe had a plan: work hard, get good grades, and attend a top-tier college. But after she collapses during cross-country practice and is told that she needs a new heart, all her careful preparations are laid to waste. 

Eight months after her transplant, everything is different. Stuck in summer school with the underachievers, all she wants to do now is grab her surfboard and hit the waves—which is strange, because she wasn’t interested in surfing before her transplant. (It doesn’t hurt that her instructor, Kai, is seriously good-looking.) 

And that’s not all that’s strange. There’s also the vivid recurring nightmare about crashing a motorcycle in a tunnel and memories of people and places she doesn’t recognize. 

Is there something wrong with her head now, too, or is there another explanation for what she’s experiencing? 

As she searches for answers, and as her attraction to Kai intensifies, what she learns will lead her to question everything she thought she knew—about life, death, love, identity, and the true nature of reality.

My rating: 4/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, it’s absolutely meaningful on what the book represents. I think the illustration and overall colour is really pretty. Hence, a star for the book cover.

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, it was written very well that the ending broke my heart as I felt what was going on in the book. This read was beautiful but sad at the same time.

Furthermore, this book is a contemporary and multiverse read which made me hooked on wanting to know the ending. This book was really unique for me. Therefore, a star for this.

Lastly, Everything I Thought I Knew had an absolutely unexpected twists! When I was reading it in the beginning, I didn’t feel much about this book but as I read more it was utterly interesting. Readers should really be patient and read it until the end!

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes contemporary reads.

Thank you so much #Pansing @definitelybooks, for sending me this book for review!

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on September Love by Lang Leav

Synopsis:

A book that will change the way you think about love, relationships, heartbreak, and self-empowerment. Breaking the rules, challenging perceptions, and exploring the secret desires we keep hidden from the world. 

Beautifully composed and written by international bestselling author Lang Leav, this new collection of poetry and prose will positively influence your life.

September Love captures the magic of each passing season, a pearl of wisdom waiting to be discovered with every page turned. A book that will inspire you to reach for the stars.

My rating: 5/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, it’s showing a deep meaning on what the book will be about. The author is showing that the girl is having her vision about her thoughts. It’s such a beautiful illustration.

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, this book was absolutely captivating and inspiring. September Love by Lang Leav was such a page-turner that once I was reading it, I was absolutely inspired. This book wrote about life, self-empowerement, love, relationship and heartbreak.

Furthermore, this book showed me that it’s normal to have bad days. Life isn’t about happiness 24/7 but it’s about what we make of it. The author also wrote a lot about love, relationships and heartbreak. Failed relationships are part of life and it will makes us stronger.

Lastly, I feel that this book will connect with so many readers from all over the world. Her poems will show readers that everyone goes through good and bad times. However, we will learn from them to be better.

Overall, this book was a perfect read with 5/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes poetry books.

Thank you so much Times Reads and @putrifariza, for sending me this book for review! 

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

Synopsis:

Nostalgic fans of the Miyazaki film and newcomers alike–soar into the modern classic about a young witch and her clever cat that started it all! 

Half-witch Kiki never runs from a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she’s eager to follow a witch’s tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year.

Brimming with confidence, Kiki flies to the seaside village of Koriko and expects that her powers will easily bring happiness to the townspeople. But gaining the trust of the locals is trickier than she expected. With her faithful, wise-cracking black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki forges new friendships and builds her inner strength, ultimately realizing that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

Blending fantasy with the charm of everyday life, this enchanting new translation will inspire both new readers and dedicated fans.

My rating: 4/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, I think it’s so eye-catching and exciting! It made me really excited to read the book! Therefore, a star for the book cover.

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, this book was such a fun, joyful and calming read. This book actually has a movie! I’ve never watched the movie but after reading this book, I’m really excited to watch it!

Furthermore, the main character, Kiki, is such a hardworking and determine person! I adore how she was determine to seek her life to work in a big city area than her parents. Also, how she was prepared to achieve it.

Lastly, this book was such a quick read for me. There wasn’t even a moment did I feel boring reading it. It was an absolute page turner!

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes middle gred books!

Thank you so much Times Reads and @putrifariza, for sending me this book for review! 

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on The Between by Dvid Hofmeyr

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Ana Moon is having a rough week. It starts with a fight after school, then suspension, followed by mandatory psych visits. Still, Ana hopes therapy will help her with another problem–the disturbing feeling that someone, or something, is following her.

Then, during a shocking train crash, life goes from bad to bizarre. In the space of mere seconds, Ana’s best friend is gone—taken right in front of her eyes by an incredible, terrifying beast.

Seeking answers, Ana joins forces with the mysterious Malik and his covert clan to find her friend and return home. But there’s a larger war under way, and unimaginable evil lurks in the shadows. If they hope to make it home, Ana and her friends must gather the strength to fight—or face the collapse of the universe as they know it.

My rating: 4/5

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, I think it’s absolutely amazing! The illustration is gorgeous! It makes readers to feel excited on what the book is going to be about! Hence, a star for the book cover.

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, it was written very well. I really like sci-fiction movies and this book made me really excited for it to be adapted into a movie!

Furthermore, the character and world building all wrapped together very well. This book contains about our world and other dimensions which is such a good read! When I was reading it, I just couldn’t put it down.

Lastly, as we all know that scientists have made theories that there are multiverse. Therefore, I feel that this book is such a good read about multiverse which just makes readers feel captivated while reading it!

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers that likes science fiction books.

Thank you so much Times Reads and @putrifariza, for sending me this book for review! 

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on D (A Tale of Two Worlds): A Modern-day Dickensian Fable by Michel Faber

Synopsis:

A stunning modern-day Dickensian fable and a celebration of friendship and bravery for freethinkers everywhere.

It all starts on the morning the letter D disappears from language. First, it vanishes from Dhikilo’s parents’ conversation at breakfast, then from the road signs outside and from her school dinners. Soon the local dentist and the neighbor’s dalmatian are missing, and even the Donkey Derby has been called off.

Though she doesn’t know why, Dhikilo is summoned to the home of her old history teacher Professor Dodderfield and his faithful Labrador, Nelly Robinson. And this is where our story begins.

Set between England and the wintry land of Liminus, a world enslaved by the monstrous Gamp and populated by fearsome, enchanting creatures, D (A Tale of Two Worlds) is told with simple beauty and warmth. Its celebration of moral courage and freethinking is a powerful reminder of our human capacity for strength, hope and justice.

My rating: 4/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, I think it’s utterly beautiful! Look at how unique and different and design it! Also, I absolutely like the colour it’s just vibrant!

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, this book was just such a fun read! It was written mark the 150 year anniversary of Dickens’ death. This book was written in a light way which makes readers feel enjoyable reading it!

Furthermore, the main character, Dhikilo was interesting and funny to read. It completes the overall world of the story which made it such a good read! Hence, a star for this.

Lastly, this book has overall a great writing, main character and world. However, there are some things that were left unexplained in the book such as, what does the letter D mean and why is Dhikilo the only one noticing the missing D.

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers who are looking for an adventurous read!

Thank you so much Times Reads and @putrifariza, for sending me this book for review! 

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️

Book review on Last Out Lesson by James Goodhand

Synopsis:

Last year, Ollie Morcombe was a star pupil, popular and a gifted musician.

Then, after the accident, everything changed. Now he’s an outcast, a prime target of the school bullies who have made his life a living hell.

Today – the last day of the school year – he’s brought those bullies a gift. A homemade pipe bomb.

What has driven a model student to plan an unspeakable revenge? And with the clock ticking down to home time, what can anybody do to stop him?

My rating: 4/5

Review:

Let’s first start with the book cover, in my opinion, I think it’s showing a good symbolization of what the book is about and what it means. Hence, a star for the book cover.

Besides that, let’s talk about the writing, this book tackles so many important topics that were written absolutely raw! The important topics were about sexual assault, toxic masculinity, bullyiny and mental health. This book is a heavy read which is such an eye opener.

Furthermore, the main character, Ollie, was a good read that shows that everyone have their own problems. Ollie showed that everyone has their own actions in life and they will have different circumstances because that’s just how life works and we can understand someone without agreeing with their actions.

Lastly, this book is important because it is written about the struggle of male mental health issues. This book will bring awareness to young adult and teens about this issue. Therefore, a star for this.

Overall, this book was a good read with 4/5 rating for me! I highly recommend this book for readers who are looking for a book about mental health.

Thank you so much Times Reads and @putrifariza, for sending me this book for review! 

This book is available at all good bookstores!

Sincerely,

Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️